Theology professor compares hunting to rape and abuse (6/6/2003)

As Britain battles to save its centuries-old tradition of fox hunting, a well-recognized theologian has sucker-punched sportsmen by comparing the hunt to rape, child abuse and torture.

Andrew Linzey, professor of theology at Oxford University, says there is no moral defense for hunting as a sport and that it should be completely banned.

"Causing suffering for sport is intrinsically evil," said Linzey. "Hunting, therefore, belongs to that class of always morally impermissible acts along with rape, child abuse and torture."

Linzey is a well-respected theologian. In 2001, the Archbishop of Canterbury awarded him a doctorate of divinity, the highest award that the Archbishop can bestow on a theologian. It was the first time it has been awarded for work in animal welfare.

Jill Grieve, a spokeswoman for the pro-hunting Countryside Alliance, is alarmed that such a highly respected man is advocating this judgment and is disgusted by the comparisons.

"If you ask a rape victim or a victim of torture, who has suffered so much, whether they think what they have gone through can be compared to hunting, I think you know the response you would get," she said. "We are talking about a legal pastime which is being likened to illegal acts of gross exploitation."

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